' Africas On Fire ‘ / ' Souls Breakthrough ' / ' Side Effects ' / 'Ariki '

' Resident Alien '  Sessions  /  Hollywood , Ca.  (1981-'82)

While working toward the completion of their first Windham Hill release, the four reunited members of Shadowfax had the opportunity to play on Robit Hairman's Record, 'Resident Alien'. Robit, a South African born poet/writer/musician, and Anti-Apartheid activist, figured largely in the series of events leading up to Chucks deal offer from Windham Hill, that was key to Shadowfax reforming.

 While in London several years earlier, Robit met then street musician Alex de Grassi playing guitar in a subway station. He kept in contact with Alex over the years. When in 1980 a mutual friend introduced Robit to Phil and Chuck, they were forming the 'Eko Eko' band, and a couple of Robit's songs were added to the bands set. Robit encouraged Alex di Grassi to meet Chuck and the two collaborated on one of Alex's songs that he was recording for his cousin Will Ackerman's record label, 'Windham Hill'. When Will heard Chuck, he offered him his own deal. Chuck convinced Will to allow Shadowfax to become the first 'band' on the otherwise solo artist roster. 'Ariki' is one of Greg's songs from that first Windham Hill release. The 'Shadowfax' version is an instrumental,on which band friend Emil Richards helps to create a percussive landscape for the track. Here we have an ethereal vocal treatment of the song by Robit. The intro to 'Africa' was conceived and performed by Adam Rudolph. Produced and engineered by Dave Jerden.